About SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests are incredibly important in an application though many candidates seem to underestimate or belittle their significance, instead placing the greater emphasis on the SAT Reasoning and/or ACT tests. Many of the best universities require at least 2 SAT Subject Tests and it is not unusual for students to sit five. SAT Subject Tests allow the student to display his or her breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in a wide variety of subjects. For example, someone who wants to major in History will stand out more if his or her SAT Subject Tests include Mathematics Level 2 and a language; or a prospective Engineering student will be a more attractive candidate with History as well as Mathematics and Physics. In short, SAT Subject Tests not only bolster an application but they also distinguish the really great students from those who are simply good. Most importantly, good scores in the SAT Subject Tests substantially increase your chances of being admitted.

Subjects offered

There are a total of 20 SAT Subject tests offered by the Collegeboard. At the Tree Foundation Tutorial College we offer tutoring in the following SAT Subject tests:

FAQ

How many SAT Subject Tests can I take? Theoretically as many as you like and/or can manage. The more the better as they really boost your application. The better universities normally require a minimum of 2 while some demand 3 SAT Subject Tests (Princeton University is an excellent case in point). Many of our students take at least 3 and it is quite common for some to sit four or five.

How many SAT Subject Tests can I sit in any one test session? There are six dates per year for international students and one can sit up to three in any one session. SAT Subject Tests last just one hour and tend to be very exhausting because of the time pressure. Therefore, many students organize their timing very carefully in order to optimize their performance. Please note that you cannot sit the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests on the same day.

How much do the SAT Subject Tests count? A lot. These tests allow you to show that you have in-depth knowledge in a wide range of subjects that you have studied or are studying at high school. In fact, we at the Tree Foundation Tutorial College would support that great SAT Subject test scores can often outweigh one’s performance in the SAT Reasoning and/or ACT examinations. An excellent example would be that of SAT Subject Test Mathematics Level 2: many students who are strong in mathematics often attain a higher score in the more difficult SAT Subject Test than they do in the SAT Reasoning and/or ACT.

What is the best combination of SAT Subject Tests? It is advisable to have a good balance, as well as relevance, as far as your target undergraduate degree is concerned. If, for example, you are applying for Engineering or a science degree then Mathematics and a science may be mandatory. However, if you can supplement your mathematics and physics with, for instance, a language or history this would impress greatly.

How many times can I sit the SAT Subject Tests? Hypothetically, you could sit them as many times as you wish. However, it is always best to sit them once and as far as possible make sure that you attain your highest score in that first sitting. Generally, the better universities do not like to see multiples sittings.

How long does it take to prepare for a SAT Subject Test? Dependent on your basic knowledge of the subject the average time of preparation is normally 6-8 months. Some SAT Subject Tests are more demanding, such as World History, which because of the volume of material may require more preparation time. If, however, your mathematics is strong you may well be able to manage in less time.

Important links

All the most important information regarding the SAT Subject Tests can be found at the Collegeboard’s official site here.

On this site you will find all the basic information for all the SAT Subject tests as well as informative statistics about the scores of the respective tests. You will also see all the dates for the available tests which you can book at a test near you in your home city/country.

Practice materials – Recommended textbooks

There are so many books on the market for the SAT Subject Tests, some better than others, depending on the particular publisher for the specific SAT Subject Test. Nevertheless, the quintessential book for pure test practice for all the SAT Subject Tests has to be the Collegeboard’s Official book for SAT Subject.

For recommended practice materials for each subject seperately, please click on the links below: